According to researchers, the global population of sharks and rays has dropped for more than 70% in the past 50 years, pushing the two species towards extinction. The main reason for the decrease in global population can be attributed to the sudden booming fishing industry which began in the early 1970’s and continues today.

Currently, half of the world’s 31 oceanic shark species and the giant manta ray are listed as either endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Courtesy of Marco Poon

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